Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

It’s often difficult, and most of the time foolish, to read anything into NFL exhibition games.

Especially in the first couple of outings.

But for what it’s worth, considering how long the starters and top backups played, the New Orleans Saints have shown something on each side of the ball in splitting their first two games.

First, it was an impressive offensive display in Sunday night’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game.

On Thursday, it was the the defense that turned in a solid performance in an otherwise dull 7-6 setback to the New England Patriots.

While most would expect the offense to look as good as it did in the first half of the Cardinals’ game, the defense’s effort had to be encouraging to anyone who’s been wondering what new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s group is going to be like.

Again, it’s only preseason. But so far, so good.

In allowing 17 points in their two games, the new-look Saints have made an impression with solid tackling — something they didn’t always do a good job of over the past three seasons — and decent pass coverage.

As a bonus, they’ve forced four turnovers on three interceptions and a fumble and have four sacks while applying consistent pressure to the quarterback.

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Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

The Saints with a real D, that could be scary!!

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

I think this is the season they will have a real Defense.

I am now actually more concerned on if the Saints can keep that offensive machine rolling with Sean Payton gone. If it stays going, their aint nothing that is going to stop the Saints.

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

We shouldn't have to rely on the offense having to put mucho points for the win. Even though we'll do it anyway :bng:

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

I stop counting after the first team leads the field. If you just look at those numbers, Who Dat's looking even more impressive? Uh huh.

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

I really like the progress we have made.Lofton was a great aquisition and the players seem to be picking up the new scheme well. Spags says they still are behind but already I see a big improvement. I am very anxious to see what they look like when they are comforatable. I also like the fact that they had Shanle working with the second and third team. While I wasnt crazy about him I think he will make a servicable backup.

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

It certainly is looking promising and the fact that it's preseason makes me even more excited, because I'm sure Spags isn't showing his hand to the future opponents this early, so even in vanilla they sure are tasty!

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

It's a little early for anything besides being a skeptical optomistic.

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

Let's hope we have a killer d this year

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

All our D really needs to do is hold teams under 20 pts

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

I'm already confident we'll be better than last year, and likely better than 2009.

Re: Mickles: Saints defense makes progress this summer
 

Cautious. I hope this translates to a better D in the actual season